Raffaella Carrà, the Italian singer, dancer, actress and popular television host, has died aged 78. Carrà died on the afternoon of 5 July following an illness that she kept private, announced her former partner and long-time collaborator Sergio Japino. "Raffaella has left us" - said Japino - "She went to a better world, where her humanity, her unmistakable laugh and her extraordinary talent will shine forever." 

Born in the north Italian city of Bologna in 1943, Carrà enjoyed a successful career in show business, acting in numerous movies and earning fame singing, dancing and presenting popular television shows. She also had much success hosting tv shows and releasing records in the Spanish language, making her a star in Spain and South America.